Cover Image: Creative Lettering and Beyond: Timeless Calligraphy

Creative Lettering and Beyond: Timeless Calligraphy

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

First off, thank you to Netgalley and the publisher. I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5/5 I really think that this is a great informational book. Creative Lettering and Beyond takes you through different writing tools, fonts, and techniques. There are practice pages and images to help you get through each tutorial.

I think that the way the book is set up is great. There isn’t just all the information in the beginning, and then you go off on your own, it really is a great step by step learning experience.

I have always loved calligraphy. I had a kit when I was younger, and did practice. I lost touch with that hobby, but was able to get back into it with this book. I’m by no means great yet, but I think that this is a great way to get back into it, and learn some new things.

The one thing that I wish there was a bit more of, would be just a bit more of the step by step when it comes to the actual lettering. Some fonts do have that extra tutorial, but others just show a photo of the font and then have a practice page. That is minor to me, as they do go through technique on how to hold different writing tools, the shape of letters, spacing, and movements.

Overall, this is a great book to start learning how to do calligraphy.

Was this review helpful?

Provides some of the basics on tools, pen nibs, pen holders and materials, as well as a number of different calligraphic lettering types to learn and practice. This is NOT for the person wanting to learn modern lettering, this book is for the person who wants to learn how to achieve some of the older font types.

Was this review helpful?

Such a beautiful book. Easy to follow and very informative.
Great lessons on pen holding and love that there is a wide variety of fonts to learn.
The only downside to this is I feel it would be best as a hard copy so that one could use the practice pages to better learn the fonts. Other than that this is a great book!!!

Was this review helpful?

I received an advanced digital copy of this book from the author, Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster and Netgalley.com. Thanks to all for the opportunity to read and review.

Creative Lettering and Beyond: Timeless Calligraphy is a beautifully illustrated book. Clearly written instructions on how to create your own hand lettered masterpieces. Perfect for both the beginner and experienced letterer. An excellent craft resource.

5 out of 5 stars. Necessary craft library book.

Was this review helpful?

There was a time when people took greater care with their penmanship. Now, this has become an art form known as calligraphy. This book is excellent for the person who wants to learn this art form. The author not only provides clear illustrations to assist the visual learner but also clear instructions the learner may practice with to achieve great results. In addition, the practice templates provide additional guidance. For this reason, I recommend this book as an excellent teaching tool and a wonderful gift.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book that was provided by the publisher through Net Galley. However, the thoughts and opinions presented here are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Calligraphy using pen point nibs is at the heart of this workbook style book. Nibs are explained, different paper qualities, as well as what inks should be used, including a recipe for oak gall ink. Different hands, like Copperplate, Roman, or Bookhand, are explained showing how to create these letters in step-by-step illustrations and with enough space to exercise each.

A part of the book is dedicated to embellishment and illumination of letters with a lot of templates provided to get creative.

Was this review helpful?

Love hand lettering and modern calligraphy. I definitely recommend this book as a physical copy in order to practice, but still a great book to have!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley for the copy of 'Creative Lettering and Beyond: Timeless Calligraphy" in return for an honest review.

This is the perfect book for calligraphy beginners! It has all the information you need to dive into this new hobby plus more. I especially enjoyed the embellished letters and drawing!

Was this review helpful?

There are lots of different styles which is very refreshing, but I felt like if I really wanted to try and do it properly, I had to buy lots of materials I didn't have. It could've been great if maybe there was a bit of more emphasis on providing explanations to do the different styles filling in regular pen strokes. (You can still try, the images explain really well how each calligraphy style is made).
A comprehensive guide with lots of different inspiration.

Was this review helpful?

There are some gorgeous alphabets in this one. I especially love the Art Nouveau and Gothic ones. There’s great tips, advice for turning a failed letter into another one, etc. The only thing keeping me from giving this 5 stars is that I think if you’re new to hand lettering — or like me, just not very proficient yet — then there’s maybe not enough step by step. That said, if you have moved beyond the basics or pick things up easily then this is a good book for you. I’m just not sure I’d start with this one.

Was this review helpful?

Creative Lettering and Beyond Timeless Calligraphy is such an inspiring read. I have been inspired to improve my lettering. I have been practicing my lettering daily thanks to this book. This book is for anyone who wants to improve their lettering. Such creative lettering to make any project simply beautiful. This book is easy to use and it’s one you’ll go back to over and over to dress up your lettering.

Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Easy to follow, great instructions and advice, beautiful lettering. Well written and I would buy this book for anyone interested in this subject.

Was this review helpful?

A lot of the book was blacked out. (Missing pages) I would really have enjoyed this if I got to read the while 100%.
This seems easy enough to follow with the instructions the author gives. I have a little but of knowledge on calligraphy so most of the book was a refresh. If I needed to learn thisbook would definitely be one of the to 3 I would be looking into buying. You could be a beginner and buy this book to help.
Thanks to the author publisher and netgalley for the opportunity to read this book before publish date. I enjoyed it!

Was this review helpful?

I have always loved calligraphy and now that many kids don't even know cursive, there is a nostalgic quality about taking the time and care to write beautifully and leaving your unique mark behind. For this reason I was very interested in taking a look at this book, but I am having trouble downloading this ARC. I will attempt again at a later date and submit a complete review.

Was this review helpful?

I really liked the front cover of this book so I was eager to see inside. Whilst the images are beautiful I don't think it is a book aimed at beginners because it uses terms right from the start without even explaining what those terms mean (ligature, swash, ascender).. I think this book could have benefited from starting with a key terms explanation page before launching into different calligraphy types. If you have some experience of calligraphy already then this book may be inspiring. If you are a novice like me then this probably isn't the book for you because the layout and instructions are not easy to follow.

Was this review helpful?

A look into elegant and flourished calligraphy techniques which brings a modern twist to some traditional techniques.
With an overview of tools and materials with helpful tips the artist Laura Lavender shows lots of different techniques with simple instructions and some history too.

The content is beautiful and well done, I'd definitely recommend to anyone interested.
I loved how it included so much more than just exercises and instructions and that really inspired me to try out new techniques and try to hone my skills further.

Was this review helpful?

I liked this book!! It is very pretty and full of interesting ideas! My favorite part is the Victorian lettering styles with and without embellishments. As I had already read the book Creative Lettering and Beyond by the author, there were parts I was already familiar with (the introduction, the pens, etc...). Thank you Netgalley for my ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This is a one stop skill workshop for anyone wanting to develop their writing skills. From equipment, ink and paper to forming of letters and practise.
Its perfect for anyone wanting to up their bullet journal game.

Was this review helpful?

A great look into Calligraphy. Easy to follow instruction and great book layout.

I especially liked that there were lots of tips on how to get started with advice on different pens etc.

There are also practice pages which I really appreciated as I am really wanting to practice and hopefully perfect Calligraphy.

Was this review helpful?

A nice overall explanation of different kinds of Lettering and calligraphy. Good for beginners as it explains the different times of tools used and ways you should hold your pen.

Was this review helpful?